University Appeals For Release Of Kidnapped VC

THE management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, has appealed for the unconditional release of its Vice chancellor, Professor Rosemund  Osahogulu, who was kidnapped on Thursday night in Port Harcourt.

Registrar of the institution, Ikem Adiele, yesterday said the authorities of the university have been trying to reach out to well meaning Nigerians and security agencies to expedite her release.

Prof Osahogulu was abducted at about 6: 50pm on Thursday evening on her way from the university at Rumuolumeni  to her residence in the new Government Reservation Area in Port Harcourt.

Sources said unspecified number of gunmen intercepted her vehicle along Okocha Road leading to Ada George Road. And in a bid to snatch her away, the gunmen started shooting sporadically into the air. Having successfully scared everyone on the busy road away, they broke the windscreen of her car, injured her driver and took her away. 

It was gathered that the Vice chancellor did not have security personnel attached to her at the time of the attack. Sources in the university said she is on medication. Her whereabouts remained unknown as at press time.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the April election in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, has condemned the kidnapping of Osahagolu. 

“Security is critical to development and the well-being of citizens. No society can achieve any meaningful progress in an atmosphere of continuous fear and intimidation. I believe the protection of life and property should naturally top the priority list of any government.  

“Unfortunately, our people have lived for an unusually long period under this incessant attacks and intimidation from hoodlums and thugs. But we cannot continue to live in perpetual fear.

“Rivers people have a right to the dividends of democracy, and the provision of security should be the starting point,” he said.

Peterside called on security agents in the state to double their efforts in their search for the VC. He also implored public-spirited citizens with useful information on her whereabouts to assist the security agencies by volunteering the needed information.